Is CBD legal in Colombia?

CBD is regulated in Colombia under the wider cannabis framework. The key question is usually not “Is CBD legal in Colombia?” but whether a specific product is considered:

• non‑psychoactive and below Colombian THC limits, and
• correctly classified and authorised (for example as a medicine, cosmetic or supplement).

Colombia makes a clear legal distinction between psychoactive and non‑psychoactive cannabis, and between “controlled” and “non‑controlled” (no fiscalizado) products. This affects what you can buy locally and what you can bring into the country.

Brief overview: What CBD is allowed in Colombia?

When looking at CBD legality in Colombia, two points are crucial: the THC content and the product category.

• Colombia distinguishes between psychoactive and non‑psychoactive cannabis.
  Non‑psychoactive = THC < 1% (by weight in the plant material, including isomers and salts).
  Source: Decree 811/2021 and INVIMA.
• For finished products and preparations there is an extra control threshold for THC:
  From ≥ 2 mg THC per dose or per gram/millilitre, products are treated as “controlled” (fiscalizados). Below this “Límite de fiscalización” they are considered “no fiscalizado” (not controlled).
  Source: Resolución 315/2020, Art. 5.
• “Industrial” uses of non‑psychoactive cannabis derivatives – for example in foods, drinks, cosmetics and supplements – are envisaged in law, but only if they comply with all relevant health and product rules overseen by INVIMA.
  Source: Decree 811/2021 (DIAN compendium).

Is it legal to bring CBD into Colombia?

CBD at the airport or land border

For travellers, the key question is: “Can you bring CBD to Colombia in your luggage?” In practice, many CBD products are legally viewed as restricted goods because they fall into regulated categories such as medicines, foods and supplements and cosmetics.

On entry, the Colombian customs authority DIAN can ask for evidence that these products comply with national rules. This usually involves coordination with: - INVIMA – for health products, medicines, supplements and cosmetics - FNE (where applicable) – for controlled substances Sources: DIAN – Modalidad de viajeros | DIAN – Traveller declaration | Res. 315/2020.

Practical tips for travelling with CBD in Colombia

These points cannot remove all risk, but they reflect how the rules on CBD travel to Colombia are usually applied:

• Carry CBD only in household quantities clearly intended for personal use.
• Keep the original packaging, proof of purchase and a recent certificate of analysis (COA) showing:
  • the THC content (ideally “non‑detectable” or safely below Colombian thresholds), and
  • the CBD content.
  Sources: Res. 315/2020, INVIMA.
• If you use CBD as a medicine, take a medical prescription in English or Spanish. It should state:
  • your name (patient)
  • the preparation and dosage
  • the quantity for personal use.
  Foreign prescriptions can be recognised as proof of personal use. Source: INVIMA – Concepto 40/2024.
• Where you have doubts, proactively declare your CBD on arrival using the traveller declaration Form 530 and be ready to show your documents.
  Source: DIAN.
• Avoid bringing CBD foods or “edibles” and any products without clear labelling. In Colombia, food products with cannabis are subject to especially strict INVIMA oversight and may be refused entry.
  Sources: Res. 227/2022, Res. 315/2020.

Buying, possessing and using CBD in Colombia

Purchase and trade are allowed only within specific legal categories:

• Medicines (including individualised “magistral” preparations):
  These are possible in Colombia and are subject to INVIMA / FNE rules and, where relevant, prescription requirements.
  Sources: INVIMA – Cannabis medicinal | Res. 315/2020 | INVIMA Res. 3135/2023.
• Cosmetics:
  Cosmetic products may contain non‑psychoactive derivatives of cannabis (e.g. CBD extracts, oils, tinctures – but not cannabis resin) if:
  • they comply with the Andean Community cosmetics rules (Decisión 833/2018), and
  • they have an NSO (Notificación Sanitaria Obligatoria) from INVIMA.
  Source: INVIMA – Cosmetics FAQ.
• Supplements (“suplementos dietarios”):
  Non‑psychoactive cannabis ingredients can be used in supplements under Res. 227/2022. Key points:
  • Products must respect the THC limit (below the control threshold).
  • They need a health authorisation / Registro Sanitario from INVIMA.
  • For supplements specifically containing CBD, Art. 122 of Res. 227/2022 calls for additional Ministry of Health regulation.
  This means the legal position of CBD supplements is more complex. Always check:
  • the current authorisation status of a product, and
  • the presence of an INVIMA registration/notification code on the label.
  Sources: Res. 227/2022, Art. 121–127 | Res. 315/2020.

Possession of CBD in Colombia

CBD products that comply with Colombian THC rules are generally not treated as “controlled” products:

• If THC is below the national control thresholds (see table below), products are typically classified as “no fiscalizado” (non‑controlled).
• To avoid misunderstanding, always carry evidence of THC content with you, such as a COA or clear labelling.

Sources: Res. 315/2020 | INVIMA.

Using CBD: public vs private

For non‑psychoactive CBD, there is no nationwide rule that directly bans consumption. However: - General public order rules apply in public spaces. - The Constitutional Court has limited blanket bans on the public use of psychoactive substances, but municipalities can still create rules for certain areas (e.g. parks, places for children). Source: Corte Constitucional, C‑253/19. In practice, to reduce the chance of discussions with police or local authorities: - avoid vaping or smoking in public - prefer more discreet forms, such as CBD oils or capsules - be particularly cautious in spaces used by children (parks, schools, playgrounds).

Key CBD THC limits and definitions in Colombia

The table below summarises important legal thresholds that define CBD legality in Colombia:

How to check CBD products in Colombia

If you buy CBD locally, especially in pharmacies or specialist shops, check the following:

1. Label and lab analysis
   Look for:
   • a clear statement of the THC content, and
   • a reference to a batch analysis (e.g. HPLC or similar) as required by Colombian regulations.
     
   Source: Res. 227/2022 – analytics and labelling.
2. INVIMA code
   Depending on the product type, look for:
   • Cosmetics: an NSO number (“Notificación Sanitaria Obligatoria”).
   • Supplements: a valid Registro Sanitario or other INVIMA authorisation. For CBD supplements, ask about the specific status under Art. 122 of Res. 227/2022.
   • Medicines / magistral preparations: should be supplied through authorised pharmacies or medical facilities and normally require a prescription.
   Source: INVIMA.
3. Provider reliability
   Prefer:
   • pharmacies and licensed health outlets
   • established manufacturers with transparent documentation and verifiable registrations.

Regional differences and local enforcement

The CBD law framework in Colombia is national, but its day‑to‑day application can differ locally: - Municipalities can set public‑order rules for public spaces, particularly in areas reserved for children. - The Constitutional Court decision C‑253/19 limits general bans but allows targeted local measures. Source: C‑253/19. Before using CBD in public, it can be sensible to check whether the local Alcaldía (city administration) has issued guidance on consumption in parks, beaches or near schools.

Checklist: CBD travel rules for Colombia

Use this quick checklist when planning to travel with CBD to Colombia:

• Choose only non‑psychoactive products:
  • THC clearly under 1% in the plant material, and
  • for finished products, below 2 mg THC per g/mL.
• Carry:
  • a recent COA (certificate of analysis)
  • the original packaging
  • a medical prescription if it is used as a medicine.
• When buying CBD locally, check for:
  • valid INVIMA numbers (NSO / Registro Sanitario)
  • clear THC and CBD information on the label.
• Use CBD discreetly:
  • avoid smoking or vaping in public
  • be especially cautious in parks, schools or near minors.
• If stopped by authorities:
  • calmly explain that the product is CBD with very low THC, and
  • show your COA and other documentation.

Primary legal sources on CBD law in Colombia

• Ley 1787 de 2016 – framework for medical and scientific cannabis use
• Decreto 811 de 2021 – updated regulation including industrial uses | DIAN compilation
• Resolución 315 de 2020 – THC thresholds and concept of “no fiscalizado”
• Resolución 227 de 2022 – detailed rules on foods, supplements and labelling
• INVIMA – Cannabis medicinal (definitions, FAQs, procedures)
• INVIMA – FAQ on cosmetics with cannabis derivatives
• INVIMA – Concepto 40/2024 (foreign prescriptions for personal use)
• DIAN – Traveller modality and restricted goods | DIAN – Traveller declaration (Form 530)
• Corte Constitucional – Judgment C‑253/19 on public use limitations

Note: This article does not provide legal advice. Regulations and their application may change. Before travelling, always check the latest information from DIAN/INVIMA and, in case of doubt, clarify with your airline and the authorities which documents may be required.